🇵🇷 How to Pay in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a US territory, so your American phone plan, apps, and dollars all work here. No passport needed for US citizens. That said, the island has its own local flavor when it comes to apps and payments. ATH Movil is the payment app everyone uses, from food trucks to freelancers. Uber and Lyft both operate in the San Juan metro area, but coverage thins out once you head into the mountains or the south coast. Spanish is the dominant language, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas. The Tren Urbano light rail covers a stretch of the metro area and is handy for avoiding San Juan traffic. Download offline maps for the interior and the islands of Vieques and Culebra, where connectivity can be weak.

Payment & Finance Apps

ATH Movil

Essential

Puerto Rico's universal payment app. Nearly every business, food truck, market vendor, and freelancer accepts it. Locals use it the way the mainland uses Venmo, but it also works at retail stores.

Pro tip: Link a US bank account or debit card to set up ATH Movil before you arrive. At farmers markets, roadside kiosks, and small restaurants, it is often the only cashless option.

All apps in Puerto Rico →Puerto Rico Payments guide →